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Connecting community

Shel Silverstein's popular book of poems, “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” is being turned around by Grand Haven Township officials as they consider work along 172nd Avenue.

Alex Doty

Grand Haven Township

Mar 28, 2013

The township is looking into adding some pathway along the road north of Meijer and connect it with Robbins Road.

“The city asked us to cooperate and it’s obvious that it is a good idea,” Township Manager Bill Cargo said. “We are doing a preliminary review and Prein & Newhof is doing the engineering on that.”

Cargo said the new path would connect to crosswalks by the Marathon gas station at the corner of Robbins Road and 172nd Avenue. There are currently ramps at the intersection, but no sidewalks attached to them.

Township officials aren’t yet sure of the project's cost and are awaiting engineering reports to figure that out. They expect to know more within two months.

Cargo noted that it’s possible for the path to be installed during the upcoming construction season.

The move to improve pedestrian access along Robbins Road is welcome news for residents of the senior housing communities in the neighborhood.

“Anytime we can make it a more walkable community, it is a no-brainer,” said Don Trygstad, director of the Robbinswood Assisted Living Community, 1125 Robbins Road.

Trygstad said that everyone in the neighborhood — from senior citizens to schoolchildren — would be more physically active and have better access to commerce in the area with the pathway improvements. He noted that many residents in his facility and neighboring senior housing projects frequent the businesses in that area.

To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.